The selectmen serve as a town's chief executive body. They have overall responsibility for the general operations of town government. They are usually the major non-school appointing authority for a town. They are authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the municipality.

Do selectmen get paid?

Selectmen almost always serve part-time, with a token or no salary. It is the chief executive branch of local government in the open town meeting form of government. ... Three selectmen, a moderator, and a clerk are elected in each city ward.

What makes for a good selectman?

Perhaps the most important ingredient, for success as a selectman, is understanding the full responsibility of the position, as well as its limitations. Selectmen serve as the civic leaders of the town. ... The selectmen should also support fair and competitive compensation for the key fiscal officers of the town.